Detectives Need the Public’s Help to Identify Robbery Suspect NR14217rh

Downtown Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Central Gang Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect who robbed a smoke shop.

On April 21, 2014, around 11:30 a.m., a male suspect entered a smoke shop located in the 1300 block of S. Main Street in the city of Los Angeles.  The suspect was armed with a semi-automatic handgun which he used to hold two employees at bay, while he emptied the cash register.  After taking the money from the business, the suspect left the location and ran westbound on Pico Avenue towards Broadway.

The suspect is described as a 20 to 25-year-old male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes.  He stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 200 to 220 pounds.  He has an unknown tattoo on his left wrist and a large unknown tattoo on his right shin.  The suspect was last seen wearing a dark colored t-shirt and blue shorts with a white vertical stripe on the side.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Central Area Gang Detective Pierce at (213) 486-6663.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to
1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”